Malaysia’s King Abdicates in an Unprecedented Move

  • Monarch known as Yang di-Pertuan Agong leaves post immediately
  • Royalty has long had prickly relationship with PM Mahathir
The Malaysian King is Stepping Down
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Malaysia’s king, who is known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, has abdicated in an unprecedented move, with his successor set to be elected in January.

Sultan Muhammad V is stepping down immediately as the 15th King of Malaysia after serving since Dec. 13, 2016, according to a statement from the palace on Sunday which gave no reason for the abdication. Malaysia’s Conference of Rulers will convene on Jan. 24 to choose a successor, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 31, state news agency Bernama reported.